If you are a dog owner you're likely to know a thing or two about dog health care.
Perhaps you have even read a manual or book of tips.
All the same, many dog owners are surprised when an example comes to light of just how similar dog health care can be to human medicine.
For example dogs can give blood and it is now possible to fit them with a pacemaker.
Did you know they can also suffer from allergies? If you weren't already aware of this then you are not alone: dogs with allergies are exceptionally rare.
We are very lucky in the UK that thanks to caring owners and sensible pet diets, our canine friends are generally in good health and this reduces the instances of dog allergies.
Unfortunately though, sometimes our pets so suffer health problems and we might find their symptoms baffling.
Therefore, it is important to bear in mind that dogs can suffer allergies just like we can.
Now, if your dog is presenting symptoms that you simply can't explain and you've consulted every dog health care manual you have, then it is possible that he may have an allergy.
Whilst this may sound worrying, we should surely be pleased that the problem is a simple allergy which is treatable than anything more sinister.
Luckily, allergies in dogs can be dramatically improved.
Joey, an Alsatian and Collie cross who was suffering with boils and skin sores every time he played outside or swam in the nearby river was diagnosed with an allergy following a blood test from his vet.
He now takes antibiotics and a specially formulated pet food diet to control the allergies.